Getting a UK student visa is like the first step to fulfilling your dreams of studying at any of the top universities in Great Britain.
However, going through the process of obtaining a UK student visa can feel a bit challenging, specifically, if it’s your first time applying.
Every year, there are some new UK student visa rules that students must be familiar with if they want to hear a positive outcome of their visa application to the UK.
In 2025, there are certain changes to the requirements and procedures of UK student visas, which you cannot miss out on.
In this blog, we are going to explain all the UK student visa new rules, including the increased budget requirements, and address common questions to prepare you for your UK student visa application.
Let’s begin!
Breakdown of All the Changes to UKVI Rules for Study Visa
From 2 January 2025, the UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) has applied some important changes to the amounts required for the evidence of living expenses in the UK for international students.
These changes hold great significance for students who are planning to enroll in a course that has a duration of more than 6 months in the UK. This is primarily because of the rising cost of living in the UK. The UK authorities want to make sure that students are capable of sustaining themselves in the UK financially without impacting their studies.
What Were the Previous Requirements for a UK Study Visa?
Previously, international students who wanted to study in London were supposed to demonstrate proof of having £1,334 in their account per month for the duration of their course.
On the other hand, those who were residing outside London were required to show funds of around £1,023 per month.
What Are the UK Student Visa New Rules for 2025?
Starting in January 2025, the amount required for the financial capability has increased. Besides tuition fees, students living in London will now have to show a higher balance in their bank accounts to cover their living expenses in the UK during their studies.
- Starting January 2025, financial requirements for London-based international students are £1,483 per month (total: £13,347 for 9 months).
- Students outside London are needed to show financial proof of £1,136 per month (total: £10,224 for 9 months).
Moreover, the funds you show for the UK study visa must be held in your account for 28 consecutive days before application submission.
Documents Required for UK Study Visa
Here are all the essential documents that you’ll need to sort out while submitting your application for UK study visa:
- Your current passport
- CAS reference number and supporting documents.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results
- Bank statements
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
- Academic transcript as mentioned on your CAS.
Key Points to Remember for a Successful Visa Application
- Start your application process well ahead in advance so you have enough time to prepare everything.
- Make sure that all documents you provide for the application are accurate, authentic, and up-to-date.
- Stay updated with the status of your visa application.
By following these steps, you can successfully secure your study visa for the UK!
How Can StudyWise Help You?
With all the UK student visa new rules, it might be difficult for you to apply for a UK student visa on your own. Thus StudyWise is here to lend a helping hand.
At StudyWise, we have a team of experienced and proficient student counselors who are completely well-versed with all the UK student visa new rules. So, we can provide expert guidance to ensure that you tick the right boxes while submitting your visa application and that it meets the requirements set by UKVI.
Additionally, these rules may change depending on the course you have chosen, your university, your area of stay in the UK, and the duration of the course. This is the reason why it is super important to seek assistance from a trustworthy consultancy like StudyWise.
Our team will assess your case in detail and then provide customized guidance so you can achieve your dreams of studying at a British university!
Contact us today for a free consultation session!
FAQs:
How much bank balance is required for a UK student visa?
The minimum bank balance needed for a UK study visa mainly depends on factors like your location and the duration of your course. Generally, here is the amount that you will have to demonstrate based on the city you have chosen in the UK:
Within London:
- £13,347 for nine months, which includes £1,483 per month for living expenses
Outside London:
- £10,224 for nine months, which includes £1,136 per month for living expenses
How much can a Pakistani student earn in the UK?
In the UK, international students, including Pakistani students are given an excellent opportunity to work and financially support their studies in the country.
On average, an international student in the UK can earn between £9 to £12 per hour, or around £9,360 to £12,480 annually, by working part-time. However, international students are allowed to work for only 20 hours a week and they cannot exceed this limit.
Is it easy to get a job in the UK as a student?
Yes definitely! There are so many work opportunities available in the UK for international students in different sectors, like retail, health, hospitality, or even on-campus. You just have to choose a field of your choice and apply for it. Usually, students search online while looking for jobs. However, you can also ask your friends or classmates at university for job offers.
